Rector Building Converted to Residential

CHICAGO -- Ware Malcomb, an international design firm, has completed construction on 79 W. Monroe, an office-to-residential conversion project located in downtown Chicago’s Loop district.

Ware Malcomb’s Chicago office provided architecture and interior design services for the renovation of the historic 14-story building, which included transforming seven upper floors of vacant office space into 76 market-rate and 41 affordable apartment units, along with ancillary amenities.

Built in 1905 and historically known as the Rector Building, the masonry high-rise is the oldest surviving commercial structure by Chicago Architect Jarvis Hunt.

R2 Companies and Lagfin, the building’s owner, developed the project -- the first completed under the City of Chicago’s ‘LaSalle Street Reimagined’ initiative and Mayor Brandon Johnson’s "Build Better Together" blueprint for inclusive, citywide economic growth.

“Our team is proud to have a role in reimagining this 120-year-old landmark building and participating in the current economic renaissance within our Downtown Chicago community. With transformative projects throughout the LaSalle Street Corridor moving from vision to reality, it is incredibly rewarding to see our design for 79 W. Monroe completed,” said Mark Schwamel, Director, Interior Architecture & Design, Ware Malcomb.

The project design for 79 W. Monroe is being called “Neoclassical Nautical,” combining the historical architecture, materials and details of this beaux-art building with the elegance of the beaches and maritime lifestyle on Lake Michigan to create a refined, adventurous ambiance.

The new residential floors now offer a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and some two-bedroom apartment units. On the ground floor, a newly renovated lobby along Monroe Street features a dedicated, refreshed entrance for residents only, enhancing security and accessibility.

Rooftop amenities include a spacious indoor tenant lounge with gathering and meeting spaces, an upscale fitness center, and mix of outdoor living areas. A lower level features generous bike storage, a dog washing station, and a contemporary gaming room.

Preserving and repairing the landmark building’s character-defining exterior masonry - including brick, stone, and terra-cotta elements - was a significant focus for the Ware Malcomb team, as the building façade had seen significant modifications in its history.

To enhance energy efficiency and reduce costs for future tenants, existing single-pane glass windows were replaced with double-pane insulated glass, while matching the existing profile as required by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks.

To ensure accuracy, the team worked closely with a specialized window fabricator experienced in historic window replacement.

Construction services were provided by a joint venture of Leopardo Companies and GMA Construction Group.

Established in 1972, Ware Malcomb has office locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Brazil.

For more information, visit waremalcomb.com.